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Hide and die syndrome

The post mortem was carried out by pathologist Dr Anna Rycroft on 26 January this year.

Dr Anna Rycroft said: “At post mortem the principal findings were significant decomposition and animal predation to the lower limbs, head and neck. Internal findings revealed the presence of numerous small Wischnewski spots suggestive of hypothermia.

“Toxicology revealed the presence of morphine in the liver.

“The finding of a partially undressed male in the middle of winter with erythema of the knee and the presence of Wischnewski spots in the stomach are suggestive of hypothermia.

“In stages of hypothermia these patients become confused and develop paradoxical undressing and can be found out of bed or outdoors (‘hide and die syndrome’). In this scenario being found out of his tent would be in keeping with this phenomenon.

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“The presence of morphine in the liver, while not in the fatal range, raises the possibility that he used heroin/morphine habitually. Morphine (or heroin) use is associated with drowsiness and sedation and it is not possible to exclude the possibility that he has collapsed outside as a result of the drug use and subsequently developed hypothermia from which he has died.”

“In my opinion, the cause of death was hypothermia and morphine use.”

The inquest was heard at Archbishop's Palace in Maidstone

Father's evidence

Michael’s father, Ernest Coe told the investigators that he had long lost contact with his son. Aged 17 or 18 Michael had a disagreement with Ernest which caused him to leave the family home.

Roger Hatch continued: “[Ernest] didn’t see him again until 20 years ago. Mr Coe noticed that Michael struggled to stay in the house and slept on the floor with all of the windows open. This was the last time he saw Michael. He described him as a loner and was aware he had previously lived in a wood in Wales.”

DNA samples were also taken from Ernest in order to confirm Michael’s identity.

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Open vedict

Despite the evidence, Roger Hatch could not definitely conclude what effect the morphine had in relation to Michael’s death.

He concluded: “Through this investigation, I am confident the deceased is Michael Laurence Coe. There is no evidence that a third party was involved in Mr Coe’s death or that he died in suspicious circumstances.

“There is little evidence that assists me in reaching a conclusion about the effect of the morphine and in those circumstances I conclude an open conclusion.”